Visiting Rabat? Why not make a detour to the elegant Royal Palace? Although access is restricted, a visit to the palace’s surroundings will reveal itsrefined architecture andsymbolic importance. Between the majestic facade and the vast green esplanades, the place offers a beautiful walk.
Here are our useful tips for planning your visit to the Royal Palace in Rabat.
This opinion is completely independent, based on our experiences. We visited the region anonymously, making our own choices and paying our bills in full.
Why visit Rabat’s Royal Palace?
Is a visit to Rabat’s Royal Palace worthwhile? Our opinion:
The Royal Palace is worth a visit for its majestic architecture and historical significance. Located in the heart of Rabat, it is the official seat of the King of Maroc and the embodiment of the country’s power. Although access to the interior is forbidden to the public, you can admire the imposing façade, stroll through the surrounding gardens and watch the Royal Guard.
This is a great opportunity to appreciate Morocco’s heritage and take some superb photos of this emblematic building.
Why is Rabat’s Royal Palace famous?
Rabat’s Royal Palace, also known as Dar El Makhzen, was built around 1864 on the ruins of a 17th-century palace. The official residence of Sultan Moulay Youssef from 1912, it was later occupied by Mohammed V and his family during the protectorate. After independence, the King moved to another palace, coming here only for working sessions and official ceremonies. Today, it remains a central location for royal activities and one of the most photographed palaces on Maroc.
Our favorite moment
More than a favorite moment, it was the entireserene and solemn atmosphere that marked our visit to Rabart’s Royal Palace. Behind the ramparts, far from the hustle and bustle of the city, calm reigns in this space dotted with greenery. Here, you can fully appreciate the importance of the monarchy at Maroc and the central role played by the palace in the country’s political and cultural life.
History in brief
Here are some key dates for the Palais Royal:
- 1864: Sultan Mohammed IV undertakes major modifications to the palace to give it its current structure.
- 20th century: The palace becomes a major administrative center for Maroc, hosting government institutions and official ceremonies.
- 1999: King Mohammed VI acceded to the throne, modernizing some of the palace’s infrastructure while maintaining its central role in the country’s political life.
- 2018: Inauguration of the Hassan II Park near the palace, offering a modern green space accessible to the public.
WHERE TO STAY IN Rabat
Our favorites: neighborhoods and hotels
Our selection is coming soon Hotel 1 – See prices, photos and availability
Our selection is coming soon Hotel 1 – See prices, photos and availability
Our selection is coming soon Hotel 1 – See prices, photos and availability
See our complete selection of the best hotels in Rabat (coming soon)
Access: Palais Royal, Rabat
Where is the Palais Royal?
- In the Touarga district, a fortified enclave in the heart of Rabat, the capital of the Maroc
- Entrance for visits is on Avenue Yacoub Al Mansour(small entrance)
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How to get there
There is a streetcar network in Rabat (more info here), but there is no station directly near the Palais Royal. The easiest way to get there is on foot.
From Rabat train station, you can reach the Palais in just 20 minutes on foot.
Alternatively, you can opt for one of the city’s many cabs, a reliable and inexpensive alternative.
Parking
Several parking spaces are available inside the Palais, at the entrance near the police station.
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Useful tips: duration, schedules, eating…
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Maroc is undoubtedly in spring (between March and May), when temperatures are still mild and nature is in full bloom.
However, you can visit the Royal Palace at any time of year.
Just avoid coming on a hot day, as the site is exposed to the sun, or bring a hat and water.
Length of visit and main difficulties
Allow 1 hour to explore the entire site at your own pace.
We didn’t notice any particular difficulty in visiting this site, apart from the distance involved. PRM access is guaranteed.
Advice on how to visit
There is no imposed direction of visit. Before entering the palace, however, we recommend a tour of the ramparts to admire the ornate gates and lush vegetation that surround it. Note, however, that this will add 1 hour to your visit.
Schedules and rates
Access is free and visits are possible every day between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.
Please note that an identity document is required for access to the site (passports for foreigners and CIN for Moroccans).
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What you can see
The elegant architecture of the Palais Royal
Rabat’s Royal Palace embodies the elegance of Arab-Andalusian architecture. From the moment you arrive, you’ll be captivated by the harmony of its lines. Take a look at the distinctive architectural details: the high crenellated walls, the gabled roofs covered with green glazed tiles or the delicately patterned lattice windows.
Observe also the impeccable arrangement of flower beds and rows of palm trees, laid out with perfect rigor.
If the interior remains a mystery, it’s certain that behind these majestic walls stretch vast patios, a reflection of the palace’s grandeur.
The Méchouar: the esplanade of great ceremonies
After this initial examination, take a closer look at the building and let yourself be captivated by the imposing main gate. The Méchouar is a kind of forecourt where official ceremonies and military parades take place. Even today, it continues to play a key role in Moroccan political life!
Take a moment to admire the refinement of its ornamentation. Around the huge broken horseshoe arch, delicate arabesques, religious calligraphy and geometric motifs blend harmoniously. This combination of shapes and materials (colorful mosaics, finely carved wood) demonstrates the richness of Moroccan craftsmanship.
The gardens of the Palais Royal: an oasis of greenery
The gardens surrounding the Royal Palace combine Moroccan tradition with French landscape influences. As soon as you enter, you’ll discover a succession of avenues lined with palm trees and carefully pruned shrubs, testifying to the mastery of horticultural art. You’re sure to appreciate the peaceful atmosphere that emanates from this green setting, ideal for contemplation. The plant palette, combining century-old olive trees, refreshing fountains and colorful flowerbeds, makes these gardens a haven of serenity in the heart of Rabat.
The Ahl Fas Mosque: a spiritual place at the heart of the complex
Built in the 18th century during the reign of the Alaouites, the Ahl Fas Mosque is only accessible to members of the royal family and dignitaries, but its architecture, visible from the outside, is well worth a visit. We admired its elegant simplicity, with its whitewashed walls and green glazed tile roof. A discreet but powerful testimony to the spirituality that permeates this exceptional place.
The Remparts de Touarga: a historical legacy of the Palace of Rabat
Rabat’s walls and fortifications bear witness to the eventful history of the Moroccan capital. Delimited by several walls built between the 12th and 19th centuries, they played a key role in protecting and organizing the town. Of these, the Touarga enclosure, built under the reign of Moulay Abderrahmane in 1866-1867, is the most recent and houses the Royal Palace. Access to the enclosure is through majestic gates such as Bab es-Soufara, which links the mechouar to the city center, or Bab el-Qiyada el-Olya, which opens onto the administrative offices. We enjoyed the walk along the foot of the walls, and the contrast between the austerity of the walls and the orange groves opposite.
